Asiatic Lily
Asiatic lilies are the bold, upward-facing workhorses of the lily world, prized for saturated colour and a clean, almost scentless bloom that suits guests sensitive to fragrance. Bred from several East Asian Lilium species, they open reliably from bud and hold well in the vase, giving florists dependable focal power at a friendly price. Their flat, star-like flowers come in vivid yellows, oranges, reds and pinks that carry across a room. They are a go-to for bright everyday bouquets, cheerful get-well arrangements and large-scale seasonal work.
| Family | Liliaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Garden hybrid origin (from Asian Lilium species) |
| Peak season | June, July, August |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 40–90 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | yellow, orange, red, pink, white, cream |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stems on a slant and place in clean, cool water with flower food; buy when the lowest bud shows colour and the upper buds are still tight. Strip any foliage that would sit below the waterline. Gently remove the pollen-laden anthers once flowers open to protect linens and prevent staining. Store cool at 2-4°C and keep well away from ripening fruit, which shortens bud opening.
- •Buy with buds just showing colour
- •Remove anthers to prevent pollen stains
- •Change water every two to three days
- •Recut stems under water
- •Keep cool and away from fruit
